As winter approaches, every homeowner should be thinking about whether their heating system is in good working order. There are few home systems that are more central to your comfort and safety at home than your HVAC system, and your heating system is of particular importance when the temperature starts to drop.
Taking care of your home heating system before it gets cold out will give you some peace of mind that you and your family will stay nice and warm until the spring arrives. Regular maintenance is the best thing you can do to keep your heater and furnace up and running all winter long. Read on to learn more about how often you should be scheduling regular maintenance services for your heating system.
How often should you have your heating system serviced?
You should always make it a priority to schedule regular maintenance services for your heating system. However, many people don’t know where to start or what kind of maintenance their HVAC system needs. Your HVAC unit should be inspected at least once annually, though it may be a good idea to have your heating system looked at if you’re anticipating a particularly brutal winter.
Your filter should be changed at least every 90 days, though many suggest that every 30 days may be better if you want your system to operate at peak efficiency. If you’re experiencing consistent problems with your HVAC system and the system itself is over 10 years old, it may be time to look for a replacement. Experts say that the average HVAC will last around 10-15 years. Another reason to be proactive about preventive maintenance is that it can help you extend the life of your system.
Why is regular HVAC maintenance so important?
If you want to avoid costly repairs, regular maintenance is required. Home heating systems that do need repairs will likely be better off if they’ve been given routine maintenance, as minor issues are likely to be caught and addressed before they become more expensive to fix. Regular maintenance service will also help your system’s efficiency, which can help lower your energy bills every month.
In the winter, it can be particularly dangerous to experience a heating system breakdown. Extremely cold temperatures can have serious health implications, especially for those who are older or more vulnerable. Hypothermia can be a risk both outdoors and indoors. Winterizing your home is a great way to help protect yourself and your family during the colder months, and that includes making sure you get a heating system tune-up.
Your HVAC is also your first line of defense for maintaining good air quality in your home. It’s especially important to prioritize healthy airflow given the risks posed by COVID-19. The CDC has stated that proper airflow and ventilation should be a part of any comprehensive plan to limit the spread of the virus. Keep in mind that your protection plan when visiting with strangers and those outside your household should be multi-layered, including additional measures like social distancing and wearing a face mask.
There are a variety of reasons that keeping up with regular HVAC maintenance is essential, but it’s even more so due to the challenges we all face as a result of the public health emergency caused by COVID-19. The fact that most of us will be staying home more frequently only underscores the necessity of making sure your house is properly heated all winter long. A routine tune-up every year and regular filter changes can make a big difference in the cost of your utility bills and the lifespan of your system. If you’re serious about creating a safe and comfortable environment in your house, even when the temperature outside is freezing, keep your home’s heating on a regular maintenance schedule.
